Three Dex Based Assassin Builds

[CThruTheEgo]

Here are three dex based assassin builds that I came up with. The first one is human and seems to be the most optimal way to build a human as they are somewhat limited in what is worth spending AP on. It has an emphasis on burst/situational dps with past life sneak of shadows, human damage boost, and no mercy. The other two are halfling, which has more flexibility in what it emphasizes due to having a useful racial tree and having to decide how to distribute AP among acrobat, harper, and halfling. The first halfling version has a strong emphasis on sustained, non-situational offense, while the second emphasizes defense. All three of them are not that far apart in either offense or defense, but each does tend to have a different focus. They each use the same gear setup and have the same destiny and twists. I'm also including in this post the gear set I used as int based, which is just as viable as the one listed in the builds below. I'm still undecided about which build I like best and will be TRing into. Any and all feedback is appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Human with a burst/situational dps focus

Halfling with a sustained dps focus

Halfling with a defensive focus


Here is an alternate gear set which essentially uses the same one I had as int based and simply slots 2 dex in the Mysterious Cloak. I would include the Mysterious Cloak in either setup because, as dex based, I lose heal amp from both harper and human. This is a way to maintain the same heal amp and only lose 5 exceptional seeker. The Mysterious Cloak also gains protection 8, for whatever that's worth. Here is how the dex based gear set listed in the builds compares to the int set listed below:

Gain: con2, dex2, UMD5, vitality20
Lose: proof against poison10, proof against disease10, protection8, underwater action, true seeing, int4, bluff5, PRR6, MRR6

So it's a net gain of 48 hp and 1 DC for a loss of 5 bluff and 6 PRR. All the other stuff is largely irrelevant. The extra 6 PRR from the second setup gives me an additional 2% damage reduction, so I opted for the extra hp from the first setup to make up for the loss of toughness/epic toughness. Some may prefer to use this gear setup and I think they are close enough that neither one has any significant advantages over the other. So I'll include it here for reference for those interested.

Gear Set:
Weapons:
mainhand: Thunder-Forged Dagger (1st degree burns/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted deconstructor/colorless slotted heal15)
offhand: Assassin's Kiss (greater incorporeal bane/improved deception/greater dispelling/assassination6/purple slotted positive spell power138/mythic weapon boost2)
ranged: Thunder-Forged Throwing Dagger (touch of flames/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted ruby of endless night/colorless slotted)
Armor: Shadowscale light armor (shadow phase x3/deathblock/ghostly/fort130/2d6 sneak attack/profane reflex1/blue slotted max dex2/green slotted golem's heart)
Goggles: EH Intricate Field Optics with resistance ritual (int3/spot20/TS/green slotted HP40/colorless slotted vitality/alchemical saves1)
Helm: Epic Muffled Veneer (assassinate DC2/hide20/move silently20/spot20/insight reflex2/blue OR yellow slotted Globe of True Imperial Blood/green slotted con2)
Neck: Shroud of Ardent (AC8/sheltering30/blurry/fear immunity/heal amp60/blue OR yellow slotted str6/green slotted good luck2)
Trinket: Epic Litany of the Dead (turn the page/profane abilities2/attack4/damage4/light of dawn/yellow slotted underwater action/green slotted proof against poison10)
Cloak: Mysterious Cloak (heal amp45/MRR25/green slotted protection8/colorless slotted dex2)
Belt: Epic Belt of Thoughtful Remembrance (deathblock7/con11/concentration20/resistance11/dodge11/greater regen/blue slotted natural armor8/green slotted proof against disease10)
Ring swap: Consuming Darkness (seeker12/combat expertise5/green slotted sonic resistance40)
Gloves: EE Backstabber's Gloves (bluff20/sneak attack5/exc sneak3/improved deception/yellow slotted draconic soul gem)
Boots: GS HP Smoke2 boots (45HP/dex skills6/blur/displacement clicky x2)
Ring: Epic Eye of the Beholder (int11/wizardry10/deathblock7/absorb doomsphere spells8/blue OR yellow slotted wis8/green slotted wis2)
Bracers: Epic Ethereal Bracers (dex11/ghostly/riposte9/insight AC5/insight saves4/deadly10/speed14/feather falling/blue OR yellow slotted blindness immunity/green slotted cha2)
Quiver: Epic Quiver of Alacrity (concentration -50/ranged speed15/ranged and spell threat -15/insightful sneak4/doublestrike8)

[CThruTheEgo]

Updated for U25.2

This is a human dex based assassin with int/con as secondary stats. It strikes a nice balance between sustainable and burst dps as well as defense with improved defensive roll and no mercy from acrobat tier 4, know the angles from harper, human damage boost, and past life sneak of shadows. It lacks the extra sneak attack from halfling guile. Breakdowns on everything can be found below. I'd appreciate any feedback on this build. Thanks in advance.

Build Features:
Offense:
~Assassinate with a sustainable 75 DC
~Dex to damage with a 62 dex
~Know the angles provides an extra 6 damage per hit, or 12.84 with 114 melee power
~119% mainhand strike chance, 90% offhand strike chance
~109 melee power
~Sneak attack damage: 29d6+17 or 312.2475 average per hit with 109 melee power
~100% fort bypass
~Human damage boost
~Balanced attacks with sense weakness and no mercy
Defense:
~High hp: 858 base, 934 self buffed
~Improved evasion with a 78 reflex save, 96 against traps
~Slippery mind with a 47 will save
~Defensive roll at 50% health with a 78 reflex save
~Tumble through enemies
~Immunity to slippery surfaces and knockdown
~78.25% damage avoidance from 42% dodge, 50% displacement, and 25% incorp
~41.18% physical damage mitigation from 70 PRR
~37.11% magic damage mitigation from 59 MRR
Self-healing:
~Heal scrolls with 165 heal amp (hits for 292)
~Rejuvenation cocoon with 277 positive spell power and 125 heal amp (hits for an average of 148 per tick)
Utility:
~Full trap capabilities (no fail on any trap or lock in the game)

Stats:
str: 8
dex: 18
con: 16
int: 12
wis: 14
cha: 8

All level up points in dex.
No tomes required.

Feats:
1 twf
1h two weapon defense
3 past life sneak of shadows
6 precision
9 imp twf
12 imp crit pierce
15 gr twf
18 weapon focus pierce
21 imp sneak attack
24 overwhelming crit
26 perfect two weapon fighting
27 epic damage reduction
28 spell power positive (elusive target or holy strike would also be viable options here, depending on whether you want to focus on self-healing, offense, or defense)

Rogue Feats:
10 improved evasion
13 opportunist
16 slippery mind
19 defensive roll

Skills: (with 12 int and +4 tome) max spot, search, disable, open lock, UMD, bluff, hide, move silently, jump, heal, 1 tumble, 20 listen (can also put those 20 into balance, diplomacy, or intimidate as preferred)

Enhancements:
Assassin: 43 total
Core: 6 total
Knife in the darkness 1 (kukri proficiency, dex to hit with dagger/kukri)
Dagger in the back 1 (dex to damage with dagger/kukri)
Assassin's trick 1 (reduce target fort and sneak attack immunity by 25% for 12 seconds)
Nimbleness 1 (5 melee power, on hit up to once every second gain 1% dodge for 6 seconds, stacks 10 times)
Lethality 1 (5 melee power, +1 crit multiplier)
Deadly shadow 1 (10 melee power, 2 dex, 2 int, 2 assassinate DC, 4 reflex save, 4d6 sneak attack)
Tier 1: 8 total
Heartseeker poison 2 (on damage target gains assassin's mark, -1 fort save stacking up to 5 times, d6 con damage on crit, -5% hp on vorpal fort save DC 44 negates)
Shiv 1 (1[W], bluff for 6 seconds, cooldown 12 seconds, -5% threat)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Stealthy 3 (3 hide, 3 move silently, 75% sneak speed)
Tier 2: 5 total
Venomed blades 3 (d8 poison on hit)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Tier 3: 6 total
Critical mastery 2 (2 seeker)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Dex 2
Tier 4: 7 total
Killer 3 (on kill gain 5% doublestrike for 15 seconds, stacks 4 times)
Weakening strikes 2 (assassin's mark reduces target's melee and ranged power by 20 for 10 seconds)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Tier 5: 11 total
Assassinate 1 (instakill DC 76, 10d6 additional sneak attack on failed attempt, cooldown 12 seconds)
Measure the foe 3 (6 melee power, 2 dodge, 2 max dodge, 1 to hit and assassinate DC every second when stealthed, stacks 5 times, stacks last 10 seconds)
Deadly strikes 2 (attacks against enemies with assassin's mark do +10 damage)
Knife specialization 2 (1 critical threat range and multiplier with daggers, 1 threat multiplier with kukris)
Light armor mastery 3 (3 max dodge, 6 max dex bonus of light armor, 6 PRR)

Acrobat: 27 total
Core: 4 total
Staff control 1 (dex to hit with quarterstaff)
Stick fighting 1 (dex to damage with quarterstaff)
Tumbler 1 (pass through enemies when you tumble, +2 max dodge, +2 max dex bonus)
Kip up 1 (immune to knockdown and slippery surfaces, +2 max dodge, +2 max dex bonus)
Tier 1: 4 total
Sly flourish 2 (10% threat reduction)
Fast movement 2 (1% movement speed per rogue level while in light or no armor)
Tier 2: 5 total
Subtlety 2 (-30% threat)
Haste boost 3 (30% action boost for 20 seconds, cooldown 30 seconds)
Tier 3: 8 total
Shadow dodge 6 (3 dodge, 3 dex, 3 max dex bonus)
Dex 2
Tier 4: 6 total
Improved defensive roll 3 (defensive roll triggers when below 50% health)
No mercy 3 (+30% damage against helpless mobs)

Harper: 9 total
Core: 1 total
Agent of good 1 (1 to hit vs evil, 1 universal spell power)
Tier 1: 4 total
Harper enchantment 2 (1 weapon enhancement, 20 spell points)
Traveler's toughness 2 (10 hp)
Tier 2: 4 total
Versatile adept 1 (1 melee/ranged/spell power)
Know the angles 3 (int based divine might)

Human: 1 total
Core: 1 total
Damage boost 1 (20% action boost for 20 seconds, cooldown 30 seconds)

Epic Destiny:
Shadowdancer
Tier 1:
Stealthy 3 (6 hide, move silently, and assassinate DC)
Dex 2
Tier 2:
Lithe 3 (6 reflex, AC, light armor max dex bonus)
Dex 2
Tier 3:
Meld into darkness 3 (+100% dodge for 15 seconds, cooldown 2 minutes)
Shrouding strike 3 (3[W], mark target, gain shadow charge if target dies within 10 seconds)
Tier 4:
Improved invisibility 3 (invis 30 seconds, displacement for 90 seconds after, cooldown 4 minutes)
Tier 5:
Untouchable 1 (1% dodge for each shadow charge)
Sealed soul 2 (immune to energy drain)
Tier 6:
Shadow form 2 (25% incorp, feather fall, +5 hide and move silently, str damage on hit, double damage from light attacks)

Twists:
1) sense weakness (fury tier 4)
2) balanced attacks (primal avatar tier 3, 6 attack, knockdown enemies for 2 seconds on vorpal, counts as helpless state)
3) rejuvenation cocoon (primal avatar tier 1)
Alternatives: extra action boost (legendary dreadnaught tier 1), hail of blows (GMoF tier 2), brace for impact (unyielding sentinal tier 1, 40% fort, +2 saves), impregnable mind (6 concentration, 6 will saves, no longer auto fail will saves on a roll of 1)

Gear Set:
Weapons: Thunder-Forged Dagger (1st degree burns/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted deconstructor/colorless slotted heal15)
offhand: Assassin's Kiss (greater incorporeal bane/improved deception/greater dispelling/assassination6/purple slotted positive spell power138/mythic weapon boost2)
ranged: Thunder-Forged Throwing Dagger (touch of flames/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted ruby of endless night/colorless slotted)
Armor: Shadowscale light armor (shadow phase x3/deathblock/ghostly/fort130/2d6 sneak attack/profane reflex1/blue slotted max dex2/green slotted golem's heart)
Goggles: Epic Mentau's Goggles (seeker10/exc seeker2/ghostly/dex11/UMD5/yellow OR blue slotted int8/green slotted sonic resistance40)
Helm: Epic Muffled Veneer (assassinate DC2/hide20/move silently20/spot20/insight reflex2/blue OR yellow slotted Globe of True Imperial Blood/green slotted con2)
Neck: Necklace of Mystic Eidolons (dex4/con4/augment summons/eidolon summons/ghostly/deathblock/green slotted good luck2)
Trinket: Epic Litany of the Dead (turn the page/profane abilities2/attack4/damage4/light of dawn/yellow slotted fear immunity/green slotted wis8)
Cloak: Mysterious Cloak (heal amp45/MRR25/green slotted HP40/colorless slotted int2)
Belt: Epic Belt of Thoughtful Remembrance (deathblock7/con11/concentration20/resistance11/dodge11/greater regen/blue slotted natural armor8/green slotted cha2)
Ring swap: Seal of House Avithoul (wis2/sneak attack5/exc sneak3/improved deception)
Gloves: Iron Mitts (str8/vitality40/heal amp60/resistance7/colorless slotted bluff15)
Boots: GS HP Smoke2 boots (45HP/dex skills6/blur/displacement clicky x2)
Ring: Guardian's Ring (str8/PRR24/MRR24/yellow slotted draconic soul gem)
Bracers: Epic Ethereal Bracers (dex11/ghostly/riposte9/insight AC5/insight saves4/deadly10/speed14/feather falling/blue OR yellow slotted blindness immunity/green slotted wizardry10)
Quiver: Epic Quiver of Alacrity (concentration -50/ranged speed15/ranged and spell threat -15/insightful sneak4/doublestrike8)
Note: Swap in search, disable, and open lock gear as needed and a triple positive GS weapon in the offhand with healing amp in at least tiers 1 and 2 (heal amp 60 is worn permanently) for scroll healing.

Final Stats:
str24: 8base, 3tome, 8item, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
dex62: 18base, 6tome, 7levels, 2 capstone, 1assassin, 4acrobat, 11item, 4insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2shadowdancer, 2yugo, 2ship
con42: 16base, 6tome, 11item, 4insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
int35: 12base, 6tome, 2capstone, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
wis34: 14base, 5tome, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
cha28: 8base, 5tome, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship

HP:
120 base
80 epic levels
25 heroic durability
20 improved heroic durability
10 draconic vitality
10 harper
448 con42
40 false life slotted
40 vitality
45 GS Smoke2
20 hag's apothecary ship buff
858 TOTAL
28 rage
48 yugo
934 self buffed

Fort/Reflex/Will Saves:
6/12/6 base
4/4/4 epic
1/1/1 brace epic divine past life
11/11/11 item
4/4/4 insight
2/2/2 good luck
1/1/1 alchemical
4/4/4 greater heroism
0/1/0 profane
0/6/0 lithe
0/4/0 capstone
0/0/6 impregnable mind
3/0/0 game hunter ship buff
0/2/0 chronoscope ship buff
0/0/2 grandmaster's dojo ship buff
16/0/0 con42
0/26/0 dex62
0/0/12 wis34
52/78/53 TOTAL
0/6/0 uncanny dodge
52/84/53 with uncanny dodge
0/6/0 vs traps (past life rogue x3)
0/6/0 trap sense
52/96/53 vs traps

Assassinate DC:
10 base
20 rogue levels
2 capstone
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
6 Assassin's Kiss
26 dex62
5 measure the foe
75 TOTAL

Dodge:
6 uncanny dodge
3 shadow dodge
7 shadow charges
11 item
27% TOTAL
10 measure the foe
10 nimbleness
47% TEMPORARY

Max Dodge:
25 base
3 light armor mastery
4 acrobat cores
10 measure the foe
2 fencing master ship buff
44% TOTAL

Max Dex Bonus:
19 Shadowscale light armor
2 armored agility blue slotted
6 light armor mastery
4 acrobat cores
3 shadow dodge
6 lithe
2 fencing master ship buff
42 TOTAL

PRR:
6 light armor mastery
10 light armor
12 light armor with BAB of 19
24 Guardian's Ring
3 divine epic past life
5 two weapon defense
10 epic damage reduction
70 TOTAL (41.18% damage reduction

MRR:
10 light armor
24 Guardian's Ring
25 Mysterious Cloak
59 TOTAL (37.11% magic damage reduction)

Heal Amp:
60 Iron Mitts
45 Mysterious Cloak
20 ship buff
125 TOTAL
40 heal amp GS dagger
125 with GS heal amp dagger swapped in

Melee Power:
6 gtwf
24 epic
2 weapon focus
24 shadowdancer
5 nimbleness
5 lethality
10 deadly shadow
1 harper versatile adept
30 measure the foe
2 Assassin's Kiss
109 TOTAL

Sneak Attack:
10d6 rogue 20
4d6 assassin sneak attack training
4d6 deadly shadow capstone
6d6 shadowdancer level 6
3d6 improved sneak attack epic feat
2d6 profane (Shadowscale light armor)
6 exceptional sneak attack (Epic Quiver of Alacrity)
8 sneak attack (Avithoul ring)
3 past life rogue x3
29d6+17 TOTAL or 118.5 average sneak attack damage
Sneak attack damage is affected by 150% melee power. With 109 melee power I do an average of 312.2475 average sneak attack damage per hit.

Mainhand Strike Chance:
100 base
3 opportunist
5 perfect two weapon fighting
3 doublestrike martial epic past life
8 item
119% TOTAL

Offhand Strike Chance:
80 gtwf
10 perfect two weapon fighting
90% TOTAL

Fortification Bypass:
25 precision
10 opportunist
35 Thunder Forged Dagger with dragon's edge
5 trapsmith's workshop ship buff
25 assassin's trick (assassin core 3)
100% TOTAL

Mainhand Strike Chance:
100 base
3 opportunist
5 perfect two weapon fighting
3 doublestrike martial epic past life
111% TOTAL

Offhand Strike Chance:
80 gtwf
10 perfect two weapon fighting
90% TOTAL

Spot:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 wis34
20 goggles
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
76 TOTAL

Search:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 int35
20 item
6 exc int skills item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
82 TOTAL

Disable Device:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 int35
20 item
6 exc int skills item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
5 enhancement (Ventilated Armbands swap)
7 tools
94 TOTAL

Open Lock:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
26 dex62
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
7 tools
104 TOTAL

UMD:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
9 cha28
5 goggles
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 forbidden library ship buff
54 unbuffed with no swaps
4 GH
58 buffed
3 persuasion item swap
6 exc cha skills item swap
67 buffed with swaps

Bluff:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
9 cha28
5 improved deception
15 slotted
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 throne room ship buff
4 GH
73 TOTAL

Hide:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
26 dex62
3 stealthy (assassin tier 1)
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
5 shadow form
110 TOTAL

Move Silently:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
26 dex62
3 stealthy (assassin tier 1)
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 Otto's irresistable dance hall ship buff
4 GH
5 shadow form
110 TOTAL

Jump:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
7 str24
20 item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 Otto's irresistable dance hall ship buff
4 GH
71 TOTAL

Positive Spell Power:
8 epic
3 tome
20 epic spell power
12 wis34
1 harper agent of good
1 harper versatile adept
27 implement
138 red augment
15 slotted
2 mythic
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 forbidden library ship buff
15 crusader's chapel
4 GH
25 superior ardor pot
277 TOTAL

Comments:
The tomes listed under the skill breakdowns are simply the ones I currently have. They are definitely not necessary, although the UMD tome is quite convenient.

[CThruTheEgo]

Updated for U25.2

This is a halfling dex based assassin with int/con as secondary stats and an emphasis on sustained, non-situational dps. It dumps the acrobat tree to be able to take both the full halfling sneak attack line as well as know the angles, 6 melee power from harper, and full ranks of venomed blades and critical mastery. It lacks the situational dps of no mercy and burst damage of human damage boost. Breakdowns on everything can be found below. I'd appreciate any feedback on this build. Thanks in advance.

Build Features:
Offense:
~Assassinate with a sustainable 75 DC
~Dex to damage with a 62 dex
~Know the angles provides an extra 6 damage per hit, or 12.84 with 114 melee power
~119% mainhand strike chance, 90% offhand strike chance
~114 melee power
~32d6+17 sneak attack damage for 349.59 average per hit with 114 melee power
~100% fort bypass
~Balanced attacks with sense weakness
Defense:
~High hp: 858 base, 934 self buffed
~Improved evasion with a 82 reflex save, 100 against traps
~Slippery mind with a 51 will save
~76.75% damage avoidance from 38% dodge, 50% displacement, and 25% incorp
~41.18% physical damage mitigation from 70 PRR
~37.11% magic damage mitigation from 59 MRR
Self-healing:
~Heal scrolls with 165 heal amp (hits for 292)
~Rejuvenation cocoon with 262 positive spell power and 125 heal amp (hits for an average of 143 per tick)
Utility:
~Full trap capabilities (no fail on any trap or lock in the game)

Stats:
str: 6
dex: 20
con: 16
int: 12
wis: 14
cha: 8

All level up points in dex.
No tomes required.

Feats:
1 twf
3 precision
6 two weapon defense
9 imp twf
12 imp crit pierce
15 gr twf
18 weapon focus pierce
21 imp sneak attack
24 overwhelming crit
26 perfect two weapon fighting
27 epic damage reduction
28 holy strike

Rogue Feats:
10 improved evasion
13 opportunist
16 slippery mind
19 defensive roll

Skills: (with 12 int and +4 tome) max spot, search, disable, open lock, UMD, bluff, hide, move silently, heal, 1 tumble, 20 jump

Enhancements:
Assassin: 46 total
Core: 6 total
Knife in the darkness 1 (kukri proficiency, dex to hit with dagger/kukri)
Dagger in the back 1 (dex to damage with dagger/kukri)
Assassin's trick 1 (reduce target fort and sneak attack immunity by 25% for 12 seconds)
Nimbleness 1 (5 melee power, on hit up to once every second gain 1% dodge for 6 seconds, stacks 10 times)
Lethality 1 (5 melee power, +1 crit multiplier)
Deadly shadow 1 (10 melee power, 2 dex, 2 int, 2 assassinate DC, 4 reflex save, 4d6 sneak attack)
Tier 1: 8 total
Heartseeker poison 2 (on damage target gains assassin's mark, -1 fort save stacking up to 5 times, d6 con damage on crit, -5% hp on vorpal fort save DC 44 negates)
Shiv 1 (1[W], bluff for 6 seconds, cooldown 12 seconds, -5% threat)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Stealthy 3 (3 hide, 3 move silently, 75% sneak speed)
Tier 2: 8 total
Venomed blades 3 (d8 poison on hit)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Damage boost 3 (30 melee power action boost for 20 seconds, cooldown 30 seconds)
Tier 3: 7 total
Critical mastery 3 (3 seeker)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Dex 2
Tier 4: 7 total
Killer 3 (on kill gain 5% doublestrike for 15 seconds, stacks 4 times)
Weakening strikes 2 (assassin's mark reduces target's melee and ranged power by 20 for 10 seconds)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Tier 5: 11 total
Assassinate 1 (instakill DC 76, 10d6 additional sneak attack on failed attempt, cooldown 12 seconds)
Measure the foe 3 (6 melee power, 2 dodge, 2 max dodge, 1 to hit and assassinate DC every second when stealthed, stacks 5 times, stacks last 10 seconds)
Deadly strikes 2 (attacks against enemies with assassin's mark do +10 damage)
Knife specialization 2 (1 critical threat range and multiplier with daggers, 1 threat multiplier with kukris)
Light armor mastery 3 (3 max dodge, 6 max dex bonus of light armor, 6 PRR)

Harper: 14 total
Core: 1 total
Agent of good 1 (1 to hit vs evil, 1 universal spell power)
Tier 1: 4 total
Harper enchantment 2 (1 weapon enhancement, 20 spell points)
Traveler's toughness 2 (10 hp)
Tier 2: 6 total
Versatile adept 3 (3 melee power/ranged power/universal spell power)
Know the angles 3 (int based divine might)
Tier 3: 3 total
Versatile adept 3 (3 melee power/ranged power/universal spell power)

Halfling: 16 total
Core: 6 total
Halfling luck 1 (1 saves)
Dex 2
Halfling luck 1 (1 saves)
Dex 2
Tier 1: 4 total
Acrobatic 3 (3 balance/jump/tumble, 6 AC when tumbling)
Cunning 1 (1 bluff, 1 to hit with sneak attacks)
Tier 2: 4 total
Nimble reactions 3 (3 max dex bonus, 3 max dodge)
Guile 1 (1d6 sneak attack)
Tier 3: 1 total
Guile 1 (1d6 sneak attack)
Tier 4: 1 total
Guile 1 (1d6 sneak attack)

Acrobat: 3 total
Core: 1 total
Staff control 1 (dex to hit with quarterstaff)
Tier 1: 2 total
Fast movement 2 (1% movement speed per rogue level while in light or no armor)

Epic Destiny:
Shadowdancer
Tier 1:
Stealthy 3 (6 hide, move silently, and assassinate DC)
Dex 2
Tier 2:
Lithe 3 (6 reflex, AC, light armor max dex bonus)
Dex 2
Tier 3:
Meld into darkness 3 (+100% dodge for 15 seconds, cooldown 2 minutes)
Shrouding strike 3 (3[W], mark target, gain shadow charge if target dies within 10 seconds)
Tier 4:
Improved invisibility 3 (invis 30 seconds, displacement for 90 seconds after, cooldown 4 minutes)
Tier 5:
Untouchable 1 (1% dodge for each shadow charge)
Sealed soul 2 (immune to energy drain)
Tier 6:
Shadow form 2 (25% incorp, feather fall, +5 hide and move silently, str damage on hit, double damage from light attacks)

Twists:
1) sense weakness (fury tier 4)
2) balanced attacks (primal avatar tier 3, 6 attack, knockdown enemies for 2 seconds on vorpal, counts as helpless state)
3) rejuvenation cocoon (primal avatar tier 1)
Alternatives: extra action boost (legendary dreadnaught tier 1), hail of blows (GMoF tier 2), brace for impact (unyielding sentinal tier 1, 40% fort, +2 saves), impregnable mind (6 concentration, 6 will saves, no longer auto fail will saves on a roll of 1)

Gear Set:
Weapons: Thunder-Forged Dagger (1st degree burns/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted deconstructor/colorless slotted heal15)
offhand: Assassin's Kiss (greater incorporeal bane/improved deception/greater dispelling/assassination6/purple slotted positive spell power138/mythic weapon boost2)
ranged: Thunder-Forged Throwing Dagger (touch of flames/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted ruby of endless night/colorless slotted)
Armor: Shadowscale light armor (shadow phase x3/deathblock/ghostly/fort130/2d6 sneak attack/profane reflex1/blue slotted max dex2/green slotted golem's heart)
Goggles: Epic Mentau's Goggles (seeker10/exc seeker2/ghostly/dex11/UMD5/yellow OR blue slotted int8/green slotted sonic resistance40)
Helm: Epic Muffled Veneer (assassinate DC2/hide20/move silently20/spot20/insight reflex2/blue OR yellow slotted Globe of True Imperial Blood/green slotted con2)
Neck: Necklace of Mystic Eidolons (dex4/con4/augment summons/eidolon summons/ghostly/deathblock/green slotted good luck2)
Trinket: Epic Litany of the Dead (turn the page/profane abilities2/attack4/damage4/light of dawn/yellow slotted fear immunity/green slotted wis8)
Cloak: Mysterious Cloak (heal amp45/MRR25/green slotted HP40/colorless slotted int2)
Belt: Epic Belt of Thoughtful Remembrance (deathblock7/con11/concentration20/resistance11/dodge11/greater regen/blue slotted natural armor8/green slotted cha2)
Ring swap: Seal of House Avithoul (wis2/sneak attack5/exc sneak3/improved deception)
Gloves: Iron Mitts (str8/vitality40/heal amp60/resistance7/colorless slotted bluff15)
Boots: GS HP Smoke2 boots (45HP/dex skills6/blur/displacement clicky x2)
Ring: Guardian's Ring (str8/PRR24/MRR24/yellow slotted draconic soul gem)
Bracers: Epic Ethereal Bracers (dex11/ghostly/riposte9/insight AC5/insight saves4/deadly10/speed14/feather falling/blue OR yellow slotted blindness immunity/green slotted wizardry10)
Quiver: Epic Quiver of Alacrity (concentration -50/ranged speed15/ranged and spell threat -15/insightful sneak4/doublestrike8)
Note: Swap in search, disable, and open lock gear as needed and a triple positive GS weapon in the offhand with healing amp in at least tiers 1 (I'm not sure if tier 1 stacks with the bonus from the Mysterious Cloak) and 2 for scroll healing.

Final Stats:
str24: 8base, 3tome, 8item, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
dex62: 20base, 6tome, 7levels, 2 capstone, 1assassin, 2halfling, 11item, 4insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2shadowdancer, 2yugo, 2ship
con42: 16base, 6tome, 11item, 4insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
int35: 12base, 6tome, 2capstone, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
wis34: 14base, 5tome, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
cha28: 8base, 5tome, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship

HP:
120 base
80 epic levels
25 heroic durability
20 improved heroic durability
10 draconic vitality
10 harper
448 con42
40 false life slotted
40 vitality
45 GS Smoke2
20 hag's apothecary ship buff
858 TOTAL
28 rage
48 yugo
934 self buffed

Fort/Reflex/Will Saves:
6/12/6 base
4/4/4 epic
3/3/3 halfling
1/1/1 brace epic divine past life
11/11/11 item
4/4/4 insight
2/2/2 good luck
1/1/1 alchemical
4/4/4 greater heroism
0/1/0 profane
0/6/0 lithe
0/4/0 capstone
3/0/0 game hunter ship buff
0/2/0 chronoscope ship buff
0/0/2 grandmaster's dojo ship buff
0/0/1 arcane sanctum ship buff
16/0/0 con42
0/26/0 dex62
0/0/12 wis34
55/82/51 TOTAL
0/6/0 uncanny dodge
55/88/51 with uncanny dodge
0/6/0 vs traps (past life rogue x3)
0/6/0 trap sense
55/100/51 vs traps

Assassinate DC:
10 base
20 rogue levels
2 capstone
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
6 Assassin's Kiss
26 dex62
5 measure the foe
76 TOTAL

Dodge:
6 uncanny dodge
7 shadow charges
11 item
24% TOTAL
10 measure the foe
10 nimbleness
44% SITUATIONAL

Max Dodge:
25 base
3 light armor mastery
10 measure the foe
2 fencing master ship buff
3 nimble reactions
43 TOTAL

Max Dex Bonus:
19 Shadowscale light armor
2 armored agility blue slotted
6 light armor mastery
6 lithe
2 fencing master ship buff
3 nimble reactions
38 TOTAL

PRR:
6 light armor mastery
10 light armor
12 light armor with BAB of 19
24 Guardian's Ring
3 divine epic past life
5 two weapon defense
10 epic damage reduction
70 TOTAL (41.18% damage reduction

MRR:
10 light armor
24 Guardian's Ring
25 Mysterious Cloak
59 TOTAL (37.11% magic damage reduction)

Heal Amp:
60 Iron Mitts
45 Mysterious Cloak
20 ship buff
125 TOTAL
40 heal amp GS dagger
165 with GS heal amp dagger swapped in

Melee Power:
6 gtwf
2 weapon focus pierce
24 epic
24 shadowdancer
6 harper
5 nimbleness
5 lethality
10 deadly shadow
30 measure the foe
2 Assassin's Kiss
114 TOTAL

Sneak Attack:
10d6 rogue 20
3d6 halfling
4d6 assassin sneak attack training
4d6 deadly shadow capstone
6d6 shadowdancer level 6
3d6 improved sneak attack epic feat
2d6 profane (Shadowscale light armor)
6 exceptional sneak attack (Epic Quiver of Alacrity)
8 sneak attack (Avithoul ring)
3 past life rogue x3
32d6+17 TOTAL or 129 average sneak attack damage
Sneak attack damage is affected by 150% melee power. With 114 melee power I do an average of 349.59 average sneak attack damage per hit.

Fortification Bypass:
25 precision
10 opportunist
35 Thunder Forged Dagger with dragon's edge
5 trapsmith's workshop ship buff
25 assassin's trick (assassin core 3)
100% TOTAL

Mainhand Strike Chance:
100 base
3 opportunist
5 perfect two weapon fighting
3 doublestrike martial epic past life
8 item
119% TOTAL

Offhand Strike Chance:
80 gtwf
10 perfect two weapon fighting
90% TOTAL

Spot:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 wis34
20 goggles
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
76 TOTAL

Search:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 int35
20 item
6 exc int skills item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
82 TOTAL

Disable Device:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 int35
20 item
6 exc int skills item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
5 enhancement (Ventilated Armbands swap)
7 tools
94 TOTAL

Open Lock:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
26 dex62
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
7 tools
104 TOTAL

UMD:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
9 cha28
5 goggles
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 forbidden library ship buff
54 unbuffed with no swaps
4 GH
58 buffed
3 persuasion item swap
6 exc cha skills item swap
67 buffed with swaps

Bluff:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
1 cunning
9 cha28
5 improved deception
15 slotted
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 throne room ship buff
4 GH
74 TOTAL

Hide:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
4 halfling
26 dex62
3 stealthy (assassin tier 1)
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
5 shadow form
115 TOTAL

Move Silently:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
2 halfling
26 dex62
3 stealthy (assassin tier 1)
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 Otto's irresistable dance hall ship buff
4 GH
5 shadow form
113 TOTAL

Jump:
20 base
8 epic
3 tome
2 halfling
3 acrobatic
7 str24
20 item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 Otto's irresistable dance hall ship buff
4 GH
73 TOTAL

Positive Spell Power:
8 epic
3 tome
12 wis34
1 harper agent of good
6 harper versatile adept
27 implement
138 red augment
15 slotted
2 mythic
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 forbidden library ship buff
15 crusader's chapel
4 GH
25 superior ardor pot
262 TOTAL

Comments:
The tomes listed under the skill breakdowns are simply the ones I currently have. They are definitely not necessary, although the UMD tome is quite convenient.

[CThruTheEgo]

Updated for U25.2

This is a halfling dex based assassin with int/con as secondary stats and an emphasis on defense with just under 80% damage avoidance and an 81% chance to take half damage when below 50% hp. It gives up harper completely to be able to go to tier 4 in acrobat for improved defensive roll and no mercy, as well as the second rank of halfling sneak attack. It lacks the dps from know the angles. Breakdowns on everything can be found below. I'd appreciate any feedback on this build. Thanks in advance.

Build Features:
Offense:
~Assassinate with a sustainable 76 DC
~Dex to damage with a 64 dex
~119% mainhand strike chance, 90% offhand strike chance
~108 melee power
~Near max sneak attack damage: 31d6+17 for 328.81 average per hit with 108 melee power
~100% fort bypass
~Balanced attacks with sense weakness and no mercy
Defense:
~High hp: 848 base, 924 self buffed
~Improved evasion with a 81 reflex save, 99 against traps
~Slippery mind with a 49 will save
~Defensive roll at 50% health with a 81 reflex save
~Tumble through enemies
~79.69% damage avoidance from 43% dodge, 50% displacement, 25% incorp, and 5% elusive target
~41.18% physical damage mitigation from 70 PRR
~37.11% magic damage mitigation from 59 MRR
Self-healing:
~Heal scrolls with 165 heal amp (hits for 292)
~Rejuvenation cocoon with 252 positive spell power and 125 heal amp (hits for an average of 139 per tick)
Utility:
~Full trap capabilities (no fail on any trap or lock in the game)

Stats:
str: 6
dex: 20
con: 16
int: 12
wis: 14
cha: 8

All level up points in dex.
No tomes required.

Feats:
1 twf
3 precision
6 two weapon defense
9 imp twf
12 imp crit pierce
15 gr twf
18 weapon focus pierce
21 imp sneak attack
24 overwhelming crit
26 perfect two weapon fighting
27 epic damage reduction
28 elusive target

Rogue Feats:
10 improved evasion
13 opportunist
16 slippery mind
19 defensive roll

Skills: (with 12 int and +4 tome) max spot, search, disable, open lock, UMD, bluff, hide, move silently, heal, 1 tumble, 20 jump

Enhancements:
Assassin: 43 total
Core: 6 total
Knife in the darkness 1 (kukri proficiency, dex to hit with dagger/kukri)
Dagger in the back 1 (dex to damage with dagger/kukri)
Assassin's trick 1 (reduce target fort and sneak attack immunity by 25% for 12 seconds)
Nimbleness 1 (5 melee power, on hit up to once every second gain 1% dodge for 6 seconds, stacks 10 times)
Lethality 1 (5 melee power, +1 crit multiplier)
Deadly shadow 1 (10 melee power, 2 dex, 2 int, 2 assassinate DC, 4 reflex save, 4d6 sneak attack)
Tier 1: 8 total
Heartseeker poison 2 (on damage target gains assassin's mark, -1 fort save stacking up to 5 times, d6 con damage on crit, -5% hp on vorpal fort save DC 44 negates)
Shiv 1 (1[W], bluff for 6 seconds, cooldown 12 seconds, -5% threat)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Stealthy 3 (3 hide, 3 move silently, 75% sneak speed)
Tier 2: 5 total
Venomed blades 3 (d8 poison on hit)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Tier 3: 6 total
Critical mastery 2 (2 seeker)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Dex 2
Tier 4: 7 total
Killer 3 (on kill gain 5% doublestrike for 15 seconds, stacks 4 times)
Weakening strikes 2 (assassin's mark reduces target's melee and ranged power by 20 for 10 seconds)
Sneak attack training 2 (1 to hit and 1d6 sneak attack)
Tier 5: 11 total
Assassinate 1 (instakill DC 76, 10d6 additional sneak attack on failed attempt, cooldown 12 seconds)
Measure the foe 3 (6 melee power, 2 dodge, 2 max dodge, 1 to hit and assassinate DC every second when stealthed, stacks 5 times, stacks last 10 seconds)
Deadly strikes 2 (attacks against enemies with assassin's mark do +10 damage)
Knife specialization 2 (1 critical threat range and multiplier with daggers, 1 threat multiplier with kukris)
Light armor mastery 3 (3 max dodge, 6 max dex bonus of light armor, 6 PRR)

Acrobat: 26 total
Core: 3 total
Staff control 1 (dex to hit with quarterstaff)
Stick fighting 1 (dex to damage with quarterstaff)
Tumbler 1 (pass through enemies when you tumble, +2 max dodge, +2 max dex bonus)
Tier 1: 4 total
Sly flourish 2 (10% threat reduction)
Fast movement 2 (1% movement speed per rogue level while in light or no armor)
Tier 2: 5 total
Subtlety 2 (-20% threat)
Haste boost 3 (30% action boost for 20 seconds, cooldown 30 seconds)
Tier 3: 8 total
Shadow dodge 6 (3 dodge, 3 dex, 3 max dex bonus)
Dex 2
Tier 4: 6 total
Improved defensive roll 3 (defensive roll triggers when below 50% health)
No mercy 3 (+30% damage against helpless mobs)

Halfling: 11 total
Core: 1 total
Halfling luck 1 (1 saves)
Tier 1: 5 total
Acrobatic 3 (3 balance/jump/tumble, 6 AC when tumbling)
Cunning 2 (2 bluff, 2 to hit with sneak attacks)
Tier 2: 4 total
Nimble reactions 3 (3 max dex bonus, 3 max dodge)
Guile 1 (1d6 sneak attack)
Tier 3: 1 total
Guile 1 (1d6 sneak attack)

Epic Destiny:
Shadowdancer
Tier 1:
Stealthy 3 (6 hide, move silently, and assassinate DC)
Dex 2
Tier 2:
Lithe 3 (6 reflex, AC, light armor max dex bonus)
Dex 2
Tier 3:
Meld into darkness 3 (+100% dodge for 15 seconds, cooldown 2 minutes)
Shrouding strike 3 (3[W], mark target, gain shadow charge if target dies within 10 seconds)
Dex 2
Tier 4:
Improved invisibility 3 (invis 30 seconds, displacement for 90 seconds after, cooldown 4 minutes)
Tier 5:
Untouchable 1 (1% dodge for each shadow charge)
Tier 6:
Shadow form 2 (25% incorp, feather fall, +5 hide and move silently, str damage on hit, double damage from light attacks)

Twists:
1) sense weakness (fury tier 4)
2) balanced attacks (primal avatar tier 3, 6 attack, knockdown enemies for 2 seconds on vorpal, counts as helpless state)
3) rejuvenation cocoon (primal avatar tier 1)
Alternatives: extra action boost (legendary dreadnaught tier 1), hail of blows (GMoF tier 2), brace for impact (unyielding sentinal tier 1, 40% fort, +2 saves), impregnable mind (6 concentration, 6 will saves, no longer auto fail will saves on a roll of 1)

Gear Set:
Weapons: Thunder-Forged Dagger (1st degree burns/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted deconstructor/colorless slotted heal15)
offhand: Assassin's Kiss (greater incorporeal bane/improved deception/greater dispelling/assassination6/purple slotted positive spell power138/mythic weapon boost2)
ranged: Thunder-Forged Throwing Dagger (touch of flames/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted ruby of endless night/colorless slotted)
Armor: Shadowscale light armor (shadow phase x3/deathblock/ghostly/fort130/2d6 sneak attack/profane reflex1/blue slotted max dex2/green slotted golem's heart)
Goggles: Epic Mentau's Goggles (seeker10/exc seeker2/ghostly/dex11/UMD5/yellow OR blue slotted int8/green slotted sonic resistance40)
Helm: Epic Muffled Veneer (assassinate DC2/hide20/move silently20/spot20/insight reflex2/blue OR yellow slotted Globe of True Imperial Blood/green slotted con2)
Neck: Necklace of Mystic Eidolons (dex4/con4/augment summons/eidolon summons/ghostly/deathblock/green slotted good luck2)
Trinket: Epic Litany of the Dead (turn the page/profane abilities2/attack4/damage4/light of dawn/yellow slotted fear immunity/green slotted wis8)
Cloak: Mysterious Cloak (heal amp45/MRR25/green slotted HP40/colorless slotted int2)
Belt: Epic Belt of Thoughtful Remembrance (deathblock7/con11/concentration20/resistance11/dodge11/greater regen/blue slotted natural armor8/green slotted cha2)
Ring swap: Seal of House Avithoul (wis2/sneak attack5/exc sneak3/improved deception)
Gloves: Iron Mitts (str8/vitality40/heal amp60/resistance7/colorless slotted bluff15)
Boots: GS HP Smoke2 boots (45HP/dex skills6/blur/displacement clicky x2)
Ring: Guardian's Ring (str8/PRR24/MRR24/yellow slotted draconic soul gem)
Bracers: Epic Ethereal Bracers (dex11/ghostly/riposte9/insight AC5/insight saves4/deadly10/speed14/feather falling/blue OR yellow slotted blindness immunity/green slotted wizardry10)
Quiver: Epic Quiver of Alacrity (concentration -50/ranged speed15/ranged and spell threat -15/insightful sneak4/doublestrike8)
Note: Swap in search, disable, and open lock gear as needed and a triple positive GS weapon in the offhand with healing amp in at least tiers 1 and 2 (heal amp 60 is worn permanently) for scroll healing.

Final Stats:
str24: 8base, 3tome, 8item, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
dex64: 20base, 6tome, 7levels, 2 capstone, 1assassin, 3acrobat, 11item, 4insight, 1exc, 2profane, 3shadowdancer, 2yugo, 2ship
con42: 16base, 6tome, 11item, 4insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
int35: 12base, 6tome, 2capstone, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
wis34: 14base, 5tome, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship
cha28: 8base, 5tome, 8item, 2insight, 1exc, 2profane, 2ship

HP:
120 base
80 epic levels
25 heroic durability
20 improved heroic durability
10 draconic vitality
448 con42
40 false life slotted
40 vitality
45 GS Smoke2
20 hag's apothecary ship buff
848 TOTAL
28 rage
48 yugo
924 self buffed

Fort/Reflex/Will Saves:
6/12/6 base
4/4/4 epic
2/2/2 halfling
1/1/1 brace epic divine past life
11/11/11 item
4/4/4 insight
2/2/2 good luck
1/1/1 alchemical
4/4/4 greater heroism
0/1/0 profane
0/6/0 lithe
0/4/0 capstone
3/0/0 game hunter ship buff
0/2/0 chronoscope ship buff
0/0/2 grandmaster's dojo ship buff
16/0/0 con42
0/27/0 dex64
0/0/12 wis34
54/81/49 TOTAL
0/6/0 uncanny dodge
54/87/49 with uncanny dodge
0/6/0 vs traps (past life rogue x3)
0/6/0 trap sense
54/99/49 vs traps

Assassinate DC:
10 base
20 rogue levels
2 capstone
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
6 Assassin's Kiss
26 dex64
5 measure the foe
76 TOTAL

Dodge:
6 uncanny dodge
3 shadow dodge
7 shadow charges
11 item
27% TOTAL
10 measure the foe
10 nimbleness
47% SITUATIONAL

Max Dodge:
25 base
3 light armor mastery
2 acrobat cores
10 measure the foe
2 fencing master ship buff
3 nimble reactions
45 TOTAL

Max Dex Bonus:
19 Shadowscale light armor
2 armored agility blue slotted
6 light armor mastery
2 acrobat cores
3 shadow dodge
6 lithe
2 fencing master ship buff
3 nimble reactions
43 TOTAL

PRR:
6 light armor mastery
10 light armor
12 light armor with BAB of 19
24 Guardian's Ring
3 divine epic past life
5 two weapon defense
10 epic damage reduction
70 TOTAL (41.18% damage reduction

MRR:
10 light armor
24 Guardian's Ring
25 Mysterious Cloak
59 TOTAL (37.11% magic damage reduction)

Heal Amp:
60 Iron Mitts
45 Mysterious Cloak
20 ship buff
125 TOTAL
40 heal amp GS dagger
165 with GS heal amp dagger swapped in

Melee Power:
6 gtwf
2 weapon focus pierce
24 epic
24 shadowdancer
5 nimbleness
5 lethality
10 deadly shadow
30 measure the foe
2 Assassin's Kiss
108 TOTAL

Sneak Attack:
10d6 rogue 20
2d6 halfling
4d6 assassin sneak attack training
4d6 deadly shadow capstone
6d6 shadowdancer level 6
3d6 improved sneak attack epic feat
2d6 profane (Shadowscale light armor)
6 exceptional sneak attack (Epic Quiver of Alacrity)
8 sneak attack (Avithoul ring)
3 past life rogue x3
31d6+17 TOTAL or 125.5 average sneak attack damage
Sneak attack damage is affected by 150% melee power. With 108 melee power I do an average of 328.81 average sneak attack damage per hit.

Fortification Bypass:
25 precision
10 opportunist
35 Thunder Forged Dagger with dragon's edge
5 trapsmith's workshop ship buff
25 assassin's trick (assassin core 3)
100% TOTAL

Mainhand Strike Chance:
100 base
3 opportunist
5 perfect two weapon fighting
3 doublestrike martial epic past life
8 item
119% TOTAL

Offhand Strike Chance:
80 gtwf
10 perfect two weapon fighting
90% TOTAL

Spot:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 wis34
20 goggles
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
76 TOTAL

Search:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 int35
20 item
6 exc int skills item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
82 TOTAL

Disable Device:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
12 int35
20 item
6 exc int skills item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
5 enhancement (Ventilated Armbands swap)
7 tools
94 TOTAL

Open Lock:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
27 dex64
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
7 tools
104 TOTAL

UMD:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
9 cha28
5 goggles
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 forbidden library ship buff
54 unbuffed with no swaps
4 GH
58 buffed
3 persuasion item swap
6 exc cha skills item swap
67 buffed with swaps

Bluff:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
2 cunning
9 cha28
5 improved deception
15 slotted
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 throne room ship buff
4 GH
75 TOTAL

Hide:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
4 halfling
27 dex64
3 stealthy (assassin tier 1)
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 danger room ship buff
4 GH
5 shadow form
115 TOTAL

Move Silently:
23 base
8 epic
3 tome
2 halfling
27 dex64
3 stealthy (assassin tier 1)
6 stealthy (shadowdancer tier 1)
20 item
6 GS Smoke2 exc dex skills
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 Otto's irresistable dance hall ship buff
4 GH
5 shadow form
113 TOTAL

Jump:
20 base
8 epic
3 tome
2 halfling
3 acrobatic
7 str24
20 item
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 Otto's irresistable dance hall ship buff
4 GH
73 TOTAL

Positive Spell Power:
8 epic
3 tome
12 wis34
24 implement
138 red augment
15 slotted
2 mythic
2 good luck
1 elite spider cult mask
3 forbidden library ship buff
15 crusader's chapel
4 GH
25 superior ardor pot
252 TOTAL

Comments:
The tomes listed under the skill breakdowns are simply the ones I currently have. They are definitely not necessary, although the UMD tome is quite convenient.

[redoubt]

The acrobat cores raise both MDB and MAX dodge.

[CThruTheEgo]

The acrobat cores raise both MDB and MAX dodge.

That's a useful bit of info. Thanks redoubt.

[Bolo_Grubb]

Your Halfling with a defensive focus is almost exactly what I came up with while waiting for the servers to come back up. A slight difference in gear and feats (gotta have the completionist feat), but I was not sure on the break downs of the various skills you show. I also have a slight difference in enhancements ( I took 3 levels of Shiv and did not take weakening strikes).

I also started with the following stats for my human build.
str 8
dex 18
con 16
int 16
wis 8
cha 8

I also dislike clickies, so I tend to build with as few clickies as possible.

Thanks for sharing these builds.

I think I will wait to do a TR until warlock comes out. Until then I will do Epic reincarnations and stay human.

[brzytki]

A couple of questions and observations.

• Why do you start with 14 WIS and don't put more in INT? Is it for more will save, Spot and Heal?
• In your starting stats you have 18 DEX but in the next breakdown it says 16 base. It still adds up to 62 though. (human build)
• I see you are not listing doublestrike from Epic Quiver. Did they finally fix it?
• I liked the previous gear setup better. I'd just slot +2 insight DEX and call it a day.
• I'd max Sly Flourish and drop Subtlety to 1st rank.
• No Execute? I've seen 1,5k+ procs constantly and on a helpless mob with only Sense Weakness 5,5k+. Is it only because of 30% hp limit that you don't like it? If so, you don't need to hit a mob that has 30% or less. If your Execute's regular damage brings the mob below 30%, then the proc triggers, so it's possible to "execute" mobs with hp higher than the limit.
• I'm still wondering about Weakening Strikes. It doesn't really shine if you are fighting more mobs at once as it only affects one of them. It's only good on bosses and maybe champions (if they have regular damage boost, not MP-based, cause then it's only 10% damage reduction).

If i were to choose, i'd take Human but you know i like burst DPS better. But the defensive halfling is a great build too and i'd choose it over the other one.

[HuneyMunster]

It is also worth noting that Halfling with a defensive focus build can be used for Shadai Kai with the main change being 30sec cd shadow jaunt instead of dex and dodge bonuses as they also can get 2 guile for 11 points total.

[CThruTheEgo]

Your Halfling with a defensive focus is almost exactly what I came up with while waiting for the servers to come back up. A slight difference in gear and feats (gotta have the completionist feat), but I was not sure on the break downs of the various skills you show.

I also dislike clickies, so I tend to build with as few clickies as possible.

Thanks for sharing these builds.

If you're willing, I'd be interested in the gear difference. I haven't put nearly as much effort into the dex gear set as I have the int set, so I'm still looking for ideas there.

It is also worth noting that Halfling with a defensive focus build can be used for Shadai Kai with the main change being 30sec cd shadow jaunt instead of dex and dodge bonuses as they also can get 2 guile for 11 points total.

I've never played an iconic and tend to avoid them as a result. I need my bag and bank space and the idea of starting at level 15 only to run lower level quests for favor seems counter-intuitive to me. Plus, I spend most of my playtime at cap so I prefer to start from level 1 just for a greater variety of quests. Looking at their enhancements, though, I see what you mean. They don't have the max dex bonus that halflings do, so they'd have a slightly lower dodge, but they do have some other get-out-trouble abilities. So it's a different kind of defense they offer. I'll make a note of this option under that build. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Bolo_Grubb]

If you're willing, I'd be interested in the gear difference. I haven't put nearly as much effort into the dex gear set as I have the int set, so I'm still looking for ideas there.

Gear Set:
Weapons: Thunder-Forged Dagger (1st degree burns/dragon's edge/mortal fear/orange slotted Meteoric Star ruby/colorless empty atm)
offhand: Agony Knife in the Dark (don't have Assassin's Kiss)
ranged: Thunder-Forged Throwing Dagger
Armor: Shadowscale light armor
Goggles: EE Intricate Field Optics with resistance ritual (int3/spot20/TS/) Will switch to these for Dex based Epic Mentau's Goggles (seeker10/exc seeker2/ghostly/dex11/UMD5/)
Helm: Epic Muffled Veneer (assassinate DC2/hide20/move silently20/spot20/insight reflex2/)
Neck: Necklace of Mystic Eidolons - Love the extra con/hp, the shadow also draws aggro off me (Just recently switch to this from the Shroud of Ardent or the Epic Golden Guile)
Trinket: Epic Litany of the Dead (turn the page/profane abilities2/attack4/damage4/light of dawn/)
Cloak: Adamantine Cloak of the Wolf (exc seeker5/dodge8/attack4/diversion20)
Belt: Epic Belt of Thoughtful Remembrance (deathblock7/con11/concentration20/resistance11/dodge11/greater regen/)
Ring swap: Epic Eye of the Beholder (Absorb Doomsphere Spells - 8 Charges (Recharged/Day: 8), Deathblock VII, Intelligence +11, Wizardry X, Spell Save +1) used to use Consuming Darkness
Gloves: EH Backstabber's Gloves (bluff20/sneak attack5/exc sneak 2/improved deception/) Used to use the Epic Fanged Gloves
Boots: Orcish Privateer's Boots - (Speed X, Freedom of Movement, Fire Resistance +50, Fire Absorption 30%)
Ring: Guardian's Ring (str8/PRR24/MRR24/)
Bracers: Epic Ethereal Bracers (dex11/ghostly/riposte9/insight AC5/insight saves4/deadly10/speed14/feather falling/)
Quiver: Quiver of Poison (Level 24)

I have a weapon set that is a Heal scroll and a triple positive GS weapon in the offhand with healing amp in all tiers for scroll healing. I have used this method of healing for several lives now, both heroic and epic levels.

I don't remember off the top of my head what I have slotted where and with some recent changes to my gear I have to take a look at slots again anyways.

The thing I do like about my current gear set is that it works very well for either INT or DEX based. Currently I am Int based but if it is slow at work today I might Epic reincarnate into a Dex based ;-)

I will start with the following stats for my human build.
str 8
dex 18
con 16
int 16
wis 8
cha 8

Before I do any sort of reincarnation I want to take some screen shots and write all my current info to accurately compare to a dex based build

[CThruTheEgo]

Why do you start with 14 WIS and don't put more in INT? Is it for more will save, Spot and Heal?

The extra wis is to boost will save to make slippery mind a viable option. Although each build has a slightly different will save, it will be viable for each, with the human possibly failing on occasion. More spot and heal are always nice as well, but I wouldn't boost wis solely for those purposes.

More int isn't needed imo. They can already get all the skills they need and the int based trap skills should be high enough already. An effective will save (a weakness for assassins) is worth the trade off in skills and slightly better damage from know the angles.

In your starting stats you have 18 DEX but in the next breakdown it says 16 base. It still adds up to 62 though. (human build)

Thanks for catching this. After looking at these all day long and making minor adjustments here and there, I'm not surprised if there are a few errors.

I had considered starting with 16 in dex/con/int and 14 wis (and for the halfling versions, 18 dex, 16 con/int, 14 wis). I thought I changed it back in the breakdown but apparently I missed it. One advantage of starting with a max stat when int based was optimal, was the extra skill points you get from level 1. But assassinate DC is sky high as dex based and there is plenty of room to drop some points here and there. There really isn't any reason to start with max dex from level 1, so I considered how that would affect starting stat distribution.

I don't think more con or wis is really needed, nor str or cha, so int would be the only other stat I'd consider increasing. Lowering dex to 16 (18 for the halflings) frees up 6 starting stat points, which only raises int by 4. This gets you 2 more skills and +2 to search and disable, neither of which I feel is really needed. From know the angles, 4 points of int gives you +1 damage, which is exactly what you get from 2 points of dex, so that's a wash. In fact, on the defensive halfling it is a loss of 1 point of damage because it does not use know the angles. So overall, I just didn't see much reason for it. I opted for +1 DC and reflex save (which also means a +1% chance with defensive roll) over 2 more skills and trap skill points.

I see you are not listing doublestrike from Epic Quiver. Did they finally fix it?

Forgot about that. Thanks again for pointing it out.

I liked the previous gear setup better. I'd just slot +2 insight DEX and call it a day.

I'll list the int based gear set in the first post for comparison and in case anyone would prefer to use that one. It really is kind of a toss up between the two. I don't see a lot of advantages to either one tbh. Because I dropped toughness/epic toughness I decided to go with the listed gear set to make up for some of the lost hp. But the other one gets 6 more PRR.

Incidentally, the int gear set has 4 more int but 2 less dex, which results in the same situation I noticed with the starting stats. The damage comes out the same either way but is a loss for the defensive halfling version.

I'd max Sly Flourish and drop Subtlety to 1st rank.

How come? I only took sly flourish as filler. I figured the threat reduction was worth more than anything else in that tier. That was also the reason I took subtlety, and subtlety provides more reduction for the same cost.

Sly flourish used to be quarterstaff only, I thought, but looking at the wiki it only says melee attack. Does that now work with any melee weapon? If that's the case, then I'd definitely agree and will make the switch.

No Execute? I've seen 1,5k+ procs constantly and on a helpless mob with only Sense Weakness 5,5k+. Is it only because of 30% hp limit that you don't like it? If so, you don't need to hit a mob that has 30% or less. If your Execute's regular damage brings the mob below 30%, then the proc triggers, so it's possible to "execute" mobs with hp higher than the limit.

Yeah even with the extra melee power applied to it, I'm still not interested in it. It's a limited attack with a long cooldown. Plus, my hotbar is already pretty full anyway. I'd rather spend those points on more static bonuses like venomed blades and critical mastery. It's just a personal preference. When trash mobs get below 30%, they are going to be dead in a few more hits anyway. I suppose it would be useful in boss fights when they've got a couple hundred thousand hp.

I'm still wondering about Weakening Strikes. It doesn't really shine if you are fighting more mobs at once as it only affects one of them. It's only good on bosses and maybe champions (if they have regular damage boost, not MP-based, cause then it's only 10% damage reduction).

Well as a two weapon fighter, you can only hit one mob at a time, and the cooldown is short enough that you can use it on nearly every mob you fight. I really try not to take on multiple mobs on my assassin anyway. If I am, I'm more likely to be running and grabbing as many soul stones as I can on the way out.

If i were to choose, i'd take Human but you know i like burst DPS better. But the defensive halfling is a great build too and i'd choose it over the other one.

I am also leaning toward the human because the burst dps will be spectacular. But I tend to favor static dps personally, so I want to try the halfling, but I know the human will outperform it in many situations.

The offensive focus halfling I don't think is really worth what it gives up. It was more an attempt to see what the result would be if I made a build that was all about sustainable dps.

Thanks for the reply brzytki. I'll make the changes you pointed out.

Can't +1 ya, gotta spread it around first. I've encountered that on a lot of folks since the rogue discussion has been going on.

[CThruTheEgo]

Gear Set:

... snip ...

I don't remember off the top of my head what I have slotted where and with some recent changes to my gear I have to take a look at slots again anyways.

Thanks Bolo_Grubb. Looks good. Don't worry about the slots. Those are pretty flexible anyway and there are enough of them for all the essential stuff.

[Bolo_Grubb]

Thanks Bolo_Grubb. Looks good. Don't worry about the slots. Those are pretty flexible anyway and there are enough of them for all the essential stuff.

Concerning slots I am not at all impressed with Proof against Disease +10 and Proof against Posion +10, but not sure if there is anything else to slot instead.

Also I have to still unlock several slots for all the slots available in Epic Necro gear

[CThruTheEgo]

Concerning slots I am not at all impressed with Proof against Disease +10 and Proof against Posion +10, but not sure if there is anything else to slot instead.

Agreed. I definitely consider those nonessential, but there are so many slots now that you end up with nothing left to put in them. I suppose that's not really a bad situation to be in.

[Bolo_Grubb]

What about undead monsters?

Find a pair of good daggers for those? Maybe pick up weapon Finesse and then use the Mutineer's blades? Craft a Greensteel Quarterstaff?

What about constructs or other monsters that daggers are not the best for?

[dualscissors]

Thanks for your work, Cthru!

[dualscissors]

What about undead monsters?

Find a pair of good daggers for those? Maybe pick up weapon Finesse and then use the Mutineer's blades? Craft a Greensteel Quarterstaff?

What about constructs or other monsters that daggers are not the best for?

I was thinking about this. Daggers/kukris have a crit threat/multipler of 15-20/x4 with Lethality. Greensteel maces have outdated base damage for high epic content and a low crit threat/muliplier at 20/x3 with Lethality. It's one thing to break DR 15 on skellies when you're in heroic, but the crit consideration + fortification breaking opportunity for rogues might make the DR 15 something that isn't worth worrying about in epic quests when it also costs a feat (Weapon Finesse). This is one perk of the Harper tree, effectively trading the feat tax from Insightful Reflexes to Weapon Finesse. Even then, I wonder if bludgeons aren't worth using at a certain point because they crit so seldomly for assassins compared to daggers/kukris and with a reduced crit multiplier...?

[Saekee]

I was thinking about this. Daggers/kukris have a crit threat/multipler of 15-20/x4 with Lethality. Greensteel maces have outdated base damage for high epic content and a low crit threat/muliplier at 20/x3 with Lethality. It's one thing to break DR 15 on skellies when you're in heroic, but the crit consideration + fortification breaking opportunity for rogues might make the DR 15 something that isn't worth worrying about in epic quests when it also costs a feat (Weapon Finesse). This is one perk of the Harper tree, effectively trading the feat tax from Insightful Reflexes to Weapon Finesse. Even then, I wonder if bludgeons aren't worth using at a certain point because they crit so seldomly for assassins compared to daggers/kukris and with a reduced crit multiplier...?

Not a great epic option but you could craft a pair of Tier 3 level 16 mournlode maces and then craft finesse on them (ML 20). Then you get dex to hit/damage as well as the undead bane stuff:
http://m.ddowiki.com/page/Item:Mournlode_Weapons
Again, not the best option--but it is a workaround for the finesse feat.

[Annex]

Thank you for posting these builds, CThruTheEgo. Your commentary on Rogue Assassins here and in other threads, along with associated discussions, convinced me to come back to DDO and give it another try. I cannot say I understand how it all works, I do not have any of the suggested equipment, and I cannot reincarnate my main thief to take advantage of all the feats you suggest, but she definitely performs better in Epic Normal quests (or Epic Hard when grouped with friends).

At this point, my only real trouble comes when monsters, especially Monster Champions, attack with extremely high burst damage. If I survive the initial hit I can run and play keep away, but when they spawn right on top of me and burn through my hit points in one or two hits, I cannot react in time. Your rogue assassins feature much better defenses (and equipment) than mine, so I will work on that.